Welcome @Zach Ogle, sounds like you are doing pretty well with taking all the right steps.

Any recommendations on steps to proceed?

It just seems that for the kind of strategy I'm trying to pursue starting out (buy and hold multi family) there seems to be a lot more inventory out there.

In my opinion, the logical stepping stone from single family rentals is to move to a small multi family property (2-4 units).

I have no idea what steps i need to take or if i qualify for a loan that big. 

I have no idea what steps i need to take or if i qualify for a loan that big.

What is the next step / who should I contact about this?

I feel I learned a lot, and know some things to look out for, but I'm curious if you pros would have pursued as far as I did or would have clued into the shady nature sooner.I'm working with an investor buyer who found me through BP. 

If the Buyer records his/her contract against the property, and later either defaults and/or decides not to pursue the option, then you still have the cloud on title until the Buyer provides you with a release or you file a lawsuit to clear up title. 

8 Wrote everything I did down  in a form of a diary, mistakes and all9 Followed the advice of what everybody on BP regurgitates, despite my instincts telling me no10 Failed at it as I expected following this stupid advice11 decided to use my own logic12 Made my first wholesale deal in 3 months (14K)13 I said "yay"14 Ran 3 laps butt naked around the house out of shear happiness15, stepped it up16 made my second wholesale deal ($20K)17 Made a few more deals18 Website took the first spot of Google19 this:keeps happening20 Jerryll was happy21 Jerryll became stuck up22 Jerryll stopped helping others for free and turned to the chicken, goats and virgins currency23 Jerryll became really good at making BP admins nervousThat is the fool proof guide to how to wholesale:You are welcome.That will be 2 chickens and a virgin!